OCA Secretary responds to recent enquiries

In response to numerous enquires with regard to the current situation of the Orthodox Church in America, Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, OCA Secretary, stated on Friday, March 25, 2011, that the work of the Church, especially with regard to the Holy Synod of Bishops, continues uninterrupted.

“The members of the Holy Synod continue to address issues that have arisen in recent weeks,” Father Eric said. “They have maintained close contact with one another and with His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah.

“His Grace, Bishop Melchisedek of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, continues to serve as Interim Chancellor, and is present at the Chancery every Tuesday through Thursday,” Father Eric added. “The day-to-day work of the Chancery and the Church’s departments, the intensive upgrade of the new OCA web site—slated to make its debut in May 2011—ongoing work on the Strategic Plan, planning for the forthcoming 16th All-American Council, our collective efforts to assist the suffering in Japan, and a host of other ministries also remain ‘on track’ at this time. The external 2010 audit is underway, and our financial situation is positive. Ongoing internal issues will be addressed at the forthcoming meetings of the Holy Synod and Metropolitan Council.”

The Holy Synod of Bishops will meet May 2-4, 2011, while the Metropolitan Council will gather May 4-6. Both meetings will take place at the Diocese of the Midwest’s Center in Chicago, in conjunction with the consecration of Bishop-elect Matthias.

“There is no doubt that we are facing challenging times, countless rumors, and less-than-accurate accounts of Church life at this time,” added Father Eric. “Despite these, the ongoing work of the Church, and particularly the Chancery, continues unabated.